What you need to know before your catering tasting
The catering of your Italian wedding day is one of the most important elements and this crucial supplier will effect most parts of your day…not just the food!
If you are getting ready to fly out to Italy to be wined and dined by your chosen supplier then, (not said with a hint of jealousy) you are in for a real treat! But you will need to know that different caterers offer different types of tasting and to ensure your expectations are met this is always worth checking.
This process depends on several factors: A. how a caterer runs their business, B. whether you have chosen them to be your supplier yet, C. how far along you are in choosing the menu which will be served at your wedding. A little point to note, how a caterer offers a tasting is not really negotiable!
1. You'll be served a full meal, so the antipasti, the wines, and all the courses. Here you could try a couple of primi, 2 secondi and desserts or cake to help you make the decision on which ones you are going to select.
2. A general menu to showcase the caterer's talents but not trying the food which will be served at your wedding.
3. Enjoy the exact menu you will be serving at your wedding.
1. 50 - 150 euro per person if you have not booked this caterer yet for your wedding. If you book the caterer after the tasting then this is often taken off your invoice.
2. Some include the cost of the tasting in the total wedding catering invoice. But if you have additional family members or friends join, then they will normally be charged.
We always recommend you meet with the catering manager who will be at your wedding. It is important to build a trusting relationship from the start and for them to see how you make decisions and priorities.
Besides enjoying some sensational food and wine! You will discuss menu options for your wedding day. Get a feel for the catering company and staff. Have the opportunity to feedback any concerns or worries you have and ask questions.
1. If you have decided on your menu, then take a print out of this to make notes on.
2. Take photos of the meal, the wine, the positioning of the food.
3. Ask questions and give feedback then and there - it is helpful for them to receive in the moment feedback so they can discuss options with you.
4. If you don't like something or a certain flavour in a dish, feed this back. It may require just a small adjustment and you can sort this then and there.
It is crucial to read reviews and there are so many places to find these.
1. Ask your planner - hopefully this is a given!
3. Find out from other couples who have had their wedding. Feedback from couples still planning their wedding is also handy, but if it hasn't happened yet they can't give you the full debrief.
4. Come into our private Facebook group and ask for testimonials.
5. See if the caterer has tagged a couple on their Instagram and get into their DMs.
6. Check out our real weddings on La Lista.
Photo: Ben Huggins | Caterer: Class Ricevimenti
Food at an Italian wedding is not something you want to get wrong. But what exactly is an Italian wedding meal? Planner Lucy White chats you through every element of this incredible feast over on our Youtube channel.
